Since 1937, Bethesda Residential Holdings Inc. (Bethesda) has
provided a wide range of support and services to individuals with
special needs in the Niagara, Hamilton, Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk
regions of Ontario. As the number of children diagnosed with an
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental
disabilities in the Niagara region increases, Bethesda’s service
mandates continue to grow. Bethesda has adopted seven new
children’s programs for families seeking a diagnosis and support for
their special needs child. Bethesda currently serves approximately
1000 children and youth with ASD, with hundreds more on a waiting
list. To better address this burgeoning need, Bethesda launched its
plan in 2013 to construct a new Family Centre at 3310 Schmon
Parkway.

Autism’s special design requirements

Many autistic children are highly sensitive to the sight, sound and
feel of their environment. Therefore, autism-friendly spaces need to
pay close attention to texture, uniformity, acoustics, and lighting
conditions. Specically, for ASD patients:

Excess noise can be at best distracting and at worst, sensory
overload. Therefore, window and door solutions need to have
sound-dampening capabilities.

Care should be taken to reduce any sounds, rattles, and related
noises. This eliminates blinds, curtains and exterior shades as
privacy solutions.

Insulation from other noises in the environment (trac, for
example) is important for similar reasons.

Indirect lighting should be used, and lighting needs to be
adjustable to ensure protection from over-bright lights and
glare – both of which can be distressing to ASD patients.

Uniformity of textures and design can help create a soothingly
consistent environment.

The door and sidelite Vision Control® units are ideal for limiting noise
and distractions from the corridor areas for children in therapy. Sta
had previously covered windows and openings with paper in an
attempt to ensure privacy and soften lighting. Now, the Vision
Control® units vastly improve the therapy environment by enabling
easy and more eective privacy and lighting controls. The perfectly
aligned internal louvers ensure a calming visual uniformity and are
operated soundlessly. Vision Control® units in openings between
rooms allow parents to discreetly monitor their child’s progress with
therapists, without the child feeling observed.

Benefits

With Vision Control®, the primary Benefits for Bethesda patients include:

The 27,000-square-foot facility opened in June 2016, welcoming children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, along with their families,
into the new two-storey building on Schmon Parkway. In addition to the playground and gymnasium, the facility also includes classrooms
suitable for both one-on-one and group programs, space for autism consultation and behavioural support, respite care, oce space for workers,
as well as a meeting facility on the second oor that will host speakers and workshops for family members. Children of ages two to 18 with ASD
and other special needs, along with their families, will now be more eectively supported and served by the new Bethesda Niagara Family
Centre.